US6953133B2 - Pump assembly with continuous tube - Google Patents

Abstract

A noncontainer pressurizing pump sprayer includes a body, which defines a chamber. A piston is positioned within the container and is coupled to a shaft. The piston divides the chamber into an upper section and a lower section. An inlet valve is positioned on the body and permits flow of fluid into the lower section but restricts flow out of the lower section. The shaft of the piston is coupled to a handle. A spray nozzle includes an actuator that is coupled to a control valve and a discharge outlet that is in fluid communication with the lower section of the chamber. In one embodiment, a tube extends continuously from a point upstream of the control valve to a point downstream of the control valve. In another embodiment, a tube is coupled to the piston and extends through the handle. In another embodiment, the tube extends continuously from the spray nozzle and is coupled to the piston.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application No. 60/370,109 filed Apr. 2, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to pumps and, in particular, to nonaerosol pump sprayers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Noncontainer pressurizing pump sprayers commonly utilize an integral cylinder and plunger arrangement to generate pressure to expel liquid, such as insecticide and fertilizer from a container. Noncontainer pressurizing pump sprayers are desirable in that they do not utilize pressurized containers which must be handled carefully and at controlled temperatures to avoid the risk of explosion. Noncontainer pressurizing pump sprayers have a number of other advantages, including not using propellants which destroy the ozone and being relatively inexpensive.

There are two common varieties of noncontainer pressurizing pump sprayers: pump sprayers that are pressurized on the upstroke and pump sprayers that are pressurized on the downstroke. Pump sprayers that are pressurized on the downstroke typically utilize a return spring which biases the plunger upward after the pressurization stroke. Examples of such noncontainer pressurizing pumps can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,174,055 and 6,296,154. While these arrangements have been successful, noncontainer pressurizing pumps are still relatively complicated and expensive devices. As such, there is a general need to develop noncontainer pressuring pumps that utilize fewer parts and/or can be made out of less expensive materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an apparatus and pump attachment particularly adapted to form a noncontainer pressurizing pump sprayer which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

One aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a pump attachment for a container. The pump attachment comprises a body, a shaft, a piston, a handle and a spray nozzle. The body defines a chamber and having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end. The shaft extends through an opening in the first end of the chamber. The piston is reciprocally mounted within the chamber. The piston includes an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The piston is in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body. The piston separates the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston. The handle is coupled to the piston through the shaft. An inlet valve at the second end of the body is configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber. A biasing member is positioned between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber. The spray nozzle comprises an actuator and a discharge outlet. The actuator is coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet. The spray nozzle includes a tube that extends continuously from a point upstream of the spray valve to a point downstream of the spray valve. The point upstream of the spray valve is in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber and the point downstream of the spray valve is in fluid communication with the discharge outlet. In certain embodiments, the pump attachment is used in combination with a container, which defines a cavity for storing a chemical.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a pump attachment for a container comprising a body, a shaft, a piston, a handle and a spray nozzle. The body defines a chamber having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end. The shaft extends through an opening in the first end of the chamber. The piston is reciprocally mounted within the chamber. The piston includes an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The piston is in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body. The piston separates the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston. The handle coupled to the piston through the shaft. An inlet valve is at the second end of the body and is configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber. A biasing member lies between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber. The spray nozzle comprises a body that defines an internal channel having an inlet end, an actuator and a discharge outlet. The actuator is coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet. A continuous piece of tubing which has a first end is coupled to the piston and is in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber and has a second end, which extends into the spray nozzle through the inlet end of the internal channel. In certain embodiments, the pump attachment is used in combination with a container, which defines a cavity for storing a chemical.

Yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a pump attachment for a container that comprises a body defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end. A piston is reciprocally mounted within the chamber. The piston includes an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The piston is in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body. The piston separates the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston. A handle is coupled to the piston through a relatively rigid connective member. A continuous piece of flexible tubing which has a first end, is coupled to the piston and is in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber. An inlet valve is at the second end of the body. The inlet valve is configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber. A biasing member is positioned between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber. A spray nozzle comprises an actuator and a discharge outlet, which is in fluid communication with a second end of the flexible tubing. The actuator being coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet. In certain embodiments, the pump attachment is used in combination with a container, which defines a cavity for storing a chemical.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention will now be discussed in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof.

FIG. 1 is side perspective view of an example embodiment of a pump attachment attached to a chemical container.

FIG. 2 is side view of the pump attachment of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken alongline3—3 of FIG.2.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of an upper portion of FIG.3.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a lower portion of FIG.3.

FIG. 4 is bottom view of the pump attachment of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a spray nozzle taken along line5—5 of FIG.2.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the central portion of the spray nozzle of FIG.5.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the tip of the spray nozzle of FIG.5.

FIG. 6A is a top perspective of an actuator of the spray nozzle.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the actuator of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the actuator of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the actuator ofFIG. 6A taken along line6D—6D.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of a pump apparatus.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken throughline8A—8A of FIG.7.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken through line8B—8B of FIG.8A.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of a spray nozzle.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle of FIG.9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustratesassembly10 that includes acontainer20 and an example embodiment of apump attachment30, which is also shown in FIG.2. Thecontainer20 defines an internal space or reservoir (not shown) for storing a chemical.

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, theattachment30 includes abody40, which is inserted into the container through a port or opening. Theattachment30 is secured to thecontainer20 by a threadedcoupler70. Theattachment30 further includes ashaft110 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is integrally formed with or connected to apiston130. Ahandle190 is mounted on or integrally formed with theshaft110.Tubing222, which will be described in more detail below, extends between thebody40 and a wand orspray nozzle220. Thenozzle220 includes a release valve (described below), which controls the flow of fluid through thespray nozzle220 and anactuator240 for controlling the release valve.

With reference toFIGS. 2-3B, thebody40 of theattachment30 will now be described in detail. Thebody40 defines aninternal chamber42. Thebody40 includes first orupper end44, a second orlower end46 and a cylindricalinternal wall48. As seen in FIG.3A. Theupper end44 of thebody40 includes an outwardly taperingportion50 and an uppercylindrical flange52, provided with arecess54 for receiving an O-ring55. As seen inFIG. 3B, thelower end46 of thebody40 is provided with anannular overhanging lip56, which defines anopening58 and a dependingflange60 extending downward from theannular lip56 surrounding theopening58.

The coupler70 (seeFIGS. 3A and 4) includes a disk-shapedcap72 that includes an downwardly projectingflange76, which partially defines acentral aperture74 and fits over theshaft110. Thecap72 also includes anannular extension73, which is configured to fit over and around the uppercylindrical flange52 of thebody40. In the illustrated embodiment, theannular extension73 includes an annular opening79 which interacts with an annular ridge81 on the uppercylindrical flange52 of thebody40 in a snap fit. Thecoupler70 includes anannular lip78, which fits over thecap72. Agasket75 is positioned between thecap72 and thecontainer20. With reference toFIGS. 1 and 3A, the illustratedcoupler70 advantageously includes ahandle locking mechanism83, which comprises anannular lip85, which interacts with atap87 on thehandle190 to lock thehandle190 in place.

As shown inFIG. 3, theshaft110 has a first orupper end112 and a second orlower end114. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper end112 is configured such that thehandle190 can be press-fitted into the shaft110 (see FIG.3A). Thelower end114 of theshaft110 advantageously defines the piston130 (see FIG.3B). In modified embodiments, thepiston130 can be coupled to theshaft110. In the illustrated embodiment, thepiston130 includes arecess131 for receiving a sealing member133 (e.g., an O-ring). Thepiston130 includes abody132 having a top134 andbottom136. In the illustrated embodiment, theshaft110 includes aninternal wall120 which defines achannel122 having alower inlet end124 and anupper outlet end126. In a modified embodiment, theshaft120 may be formed from a one or more elongated members that couple thehandle190 to thepiston130. In such an arrangement, theshaft110 may not define achannel122 and/or thechannel122 may be in communication with theinternal chamber42. Advantageously, theshaft110 provides a relatively rigid connection between thepiston130 and thehandle190.

Thepiston130 divides theinternal chamber42 of thebody40 into a first orupper portion150 and a second orlower portion152. See FIG.3B. Mounted within theopening58 of thebody40 is the inlet orcheck valve160. One ormore openings59 are provided in the annular overhanginglip56 under thecheck valve160. Thecheck valve160 permits the flow of fluid through the one ormore openings59 into thelower portion152 while preventing the flow of fluid out of theinternal chamber42 through the one ormore openings59. Alower nipple166 secures thecheck valve160 in place.

With continued reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a biasingmember180, such as a helical spring, has a first orupper end182, which is seated in an outerannular spring groove88 formed in thecap72. A second orlower end184 of the biasing member is seated on the top of134 of thepiston130.

With particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 3A, thehandle190 is mounted on theupper end112 of theshaft110. The handle includes avertical stem192 and a grip orhorizontal portion194. Thehorizontal portion194 is desirably integrally formed with anupper end196 of thestem192. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower end198 of the stem is press-fitted into theupper end112 of theshaft110 and secured by the engagement of anannular ridge111 formed on thelower end198 ofstem192 with anannular opening113 formed on theupper end112 of theshaft110. In modified embodiments, other configurations may be used to connect theshaft110 to thehandle190. For example, theshaft110 and handle190 may be integrally formed into a single piece or connected by a threaded arrangement. As shown inFIG. 3A, aninternal channel200 desirably extends through thehorizontal portion194 and thestem192 so as to be communication with thechannel122 defined by thepiston shaft120.

Thetubing222 defines a chemical flow path that is in fluid communication with thelower portion152 of theinternal chamber42. Advantageously, thetubing222 extends continuously through thehandle190 and is coupled to thepiston130. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG.3B), thepiston130 includes aninner bore252, which extends from theupper surface134 to thelower surface136. The distal end of thetubing222 extends into theinner bore252 and is press-fitted onto aplug254, which also includes aninner bore253. Theplug254 extends through thebore252 and includes anradial flange256, which contacts thelower surface136 of thepiston130. In this manner, thetubing222 is securely coupled to thepiston130 and thetubing222 is prevented from being pulled out of thecontainer20 through thehandle190. Theplug254 may include series of annular ridges for securely retaining the surroundingtubing222 in place. Thetubing222 is placed in fluid communication with thelower portion152 of theinternal chamber42 through theinner bore253 of theplug254. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in modified embodiments other configurations may be used for placing thetubing222 in fluid communication with the lower portion154 of theinternal chamber42 and/or coupling thetubing222 to thepiston130. For example, in one embodiment, the distal end of thetubing222 may be press-fitted into theinner bore252 piston and further secured by adhesives and/or annular ridges provided on thebore252. In such an embodiment, theplug254 may be eliminated. In other embodiments, the connection between thepiston130 and thetubing222 may be made at or near theupper surface134 of the piston.

With reference now toFIGS. 2 and 5, the wand orspray nozzle220 will now be described in detail. Thespray nozzle220 includes a body orhousing500, which defines a generallycylindrical grip portion502, and adischarge end portion504 that curves away from thecylindrical grip portion502. Thebody500 is advantageously configured such thatspray nozzle220 can be held in one hand by a user. A discharge nozzle508 (see alsoFIG. 5B) is coupled to the distal end of thespray nozzle220 and defines aninternal channel509, which terminates at adischarge outlet510 through which the chemical is discharged from thespray nozzle220.

In the illustrated embodiment, theproximal end512 of thebody500 includes aninlet opening514 for receiving thetubing222. Thetubing222 advantageously continuously extends through thebody500 and through avalve516, which will be described in more detail below. Thevalve516 is controlled by theactuator240, which is located on the underside of thespray nozzle220.

Thetubing222 advantageously also extends continuously from thevalve516 to thedischarge nozzle508. As seen inFIG. 5B, In the illustrated embodiment, thedischarge nozzle508 is formed by afirst piece518 that defines the portion of theinternal channel509 which forms thedischarge outlet510. Thefirst piece518 may be coupled to thebody500 in a variety of arrangements. In the illustrated embodiment, the body includes aannular notch519 which thefirst piece518 engages in a snap fit. In a modified embodiment, the first piece is threaded onto thebody500. Thedischarge nozzle508 also includes aninner member520, which defines theportion511 of theinternal channel509 that is in fluid communication with thetubing222. In the illustrated embodiment, theinner member520 includes astem521 that may be press-fitted into thetubing222 so as to place the tubing in fluid communication with theinternal channel509 and thedischarge outlet510. Desirably, thestem521 has a series of annular ridges for securely retaining the surroundingtubing222 in place. Theinner member520 advantageously holds thetubing222 in place and prevents it from being inadvertently withdrawn from thenozzle220. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments different configuration may be used to connect to couple thetubing222 to thedischarge nozzle508 and/or place the tubing in fluid communication with thedischarge outlet510. For example, in one modified arrangement, thetubing222 can be press-fitted into a bore formed in theinner member520 and further secured via adhesives or annular ridges.

With continued reference toFIG. 5B, the portions of theinternal channel509 in thefirst piece518 and theinner member520 may be connected in a variety of manners. In the illustrated embodiment, theinner member520 includes aplug527 that can be inserted into arecess523 formed in thefirst piece518. An O-ring524 may be placed between theplug527 and therecess523 so as to seal the connection. In modified embodiments, the discharge nozzle may be formed from a single piece or more than two pieces. In other embodiments, thetubing222 may extend through thedischarge nozzle508 and form, at least partially, thedischarge outlet510.

In the illustrated embodiment, thetubing222 is coupled to thepiston130 and thedischarge nozzle508 and extends continuously between these two components. In modified embodiments, thetubing222 may be coupled to thepiston130 and extend continuously through thehandle190 and/or thetubing222 may extend continuously from the inlet opening514 of thespray nozzle220 through thevalve516 and be coupled to thedischarge nozzle508 and/or extend to thedischarge outlet510. In yet another embodiment, thetubing222 may extend continuously from a point upstream of thevalve516 to a point downstream of thevalve516. In still yet another embodiment, thetubing222 is coupled to the piston and extends continuously to spraynozzle220. These embodiments and various combination and sub-combinations thereof advantageously reduce the number of sealing components (e.g., O-rings and sealing members) required to manufacture theattachment30. Similarly, it can reduce tolerance issues, which would otherwise be involved in linking a series of mating components. In this manner, these embodiments may dramatically reduce the costs of manufacturing and assembly theattachment30. In the embodiments, in which thetubing222 is divided into two or more portions, the portions can be connected via plugs with internal bores or a combination of O-rings and other components (e.g., fittings) as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

Thevalve516 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.5A andFIGS. 6A-D. Theactuator240 positioned at least partially within ahousing530, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is formed in thebody500. The illustratedactuator240 comprises ahorizontal base member239, a pair ofside walls241a,241band afront wall241c. Theactuator240 is coupled to astem532 which is formed from a pair spaced apart leg members533a,533bwhich extend from theside walls241a,241bof theactuator240. A pinchingmember534 is positioned between theleg members533a,533b. As seen inFIG. 6D, the pinchingmember534 defines a slantedpinching surface535. Theleg members533a,533b, the pinchingsurface535 and theactuator240 define an opening537 (see FIG.6B). Adistal stop539 is attached to the distal end of theleg members533a,533b. Advantageously, thedistal stop539 has a cross-sectional diameter that is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of theleg members533a,533b. Aspacing support541 extends distally from thedistal stop539. In the illustrated embodiment, thespacing support541, comprises a pair of support members arranged perpendicularly to each other.

With reference toFIG. 5A, thehousing530 generally comprisesside wall543, which defines afirst bore545, asecond bore547, and athird bore549. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst bore545 has a diameter that is larger than thethird bore549, which has a diameter larger than thesecond bore547. Thethird bore549 is closed at a distal end by ahorizontal member551. When theactuator240 is positioned within thehousing530, theopening537 is positioned at least partially within asecond bore547. Thedistal stop539, in turn, is positioned within thethird bore549 and theactuator240 is positioned in thefirst bore545. Thesecond bore547 includes a pair ofpassages553a,553b, which form openings on opposite sides of thesecond bore547.

With continued reference toFIG. 5A, thetubing222 extends through thepassages553a,553bin thesecond bore547 and through theopening537 between theleg members533a,533band the pinchingmember534. A biasingmember542, such as a helical spring, is placed within thethird bore549 between thedistal stop539 and thehorizontal member551. In this manner, the biasingmember542 biases theactuator240 in the direction of arrow A of FIG.5A. Theactuator240 his held in place by thedistal stop539, which cannot move into thesecond bore547. In this first position, which is illustrated inFIG. 5A, thetubing222 is compressed between the pinchingsurface534 and the passage553ain thesecond bore547. As such, thetubing222 is “pinched closed” and chemical cannot flow though thetubing222 and thevalve516. Thespray nozzle220 is therefore closed and the chemicals from the container cannot flow to thedischarge outlet510. To open thespray nozzle220, the user depresses theactuator240 in the direction of arrow B ofFIG. 5A against the force of the biasingmember542. In this manner, thetubing222, which extends through thesecond bore547 is no longer “pinched” between the pinchingsurface534 and the passage553a. Thus, chemicals can flow through thevalve516 to thedischarge nozzle508. Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that in modified embodiments other configurations may be used for “pinching close” thetubing222 in thespray nozzle220. In addition, in embodiments in which thetubing222 does not extend through thevalve516 other types of valves can be used such as the valves disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,782, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Thetubing222 in the illustrated embodiment generally comprises a tubular wall member223, which defines a chemical path225 through which chemicals from the container can flow. Advantageously, thetubing222 may be made of a flexible, light weight material with substantially uniform properties throughout the length oftubing222 used in theattachment30.

With to reference back toFIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated attachment advantageously includes aholder550 for holding thesprayer nozzle220 during storage or shipment. In the illustrated arrangement, one end of theholder550 is mounted between thecontainer20 and thecoupler70. The other end of theholder550 comprises acylindrical body552 through which thenozzle220 can be inserted. As shown inFIG. 1, the proximal end of thenozzle220 advantageously includes an protrusion orenlarged portion554, which prevents thenozzle220 from falling through thecylindrical body552.

FIGS. 7-8B illustrated a modified embodiment of aspray nozzle600. In this embodiment, thesprayer600 comprises abody602, which includes aninternal pathway604 defined by achannel606, anactuator608 for controlling arelease valve609 and adischarge nozzle610. Thebody602 advantageously configured such thatsprayer600 can be held in one hand by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, thebody602 defines arecess612 for the index finger of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, thechannel606 defines afirst opening614 at aproximal end616 of the body for receiving thetubing222. In the illustrated embodiment, thetubing222 advantageously extends continuously through thespray nozzle600, past theactuator608 and is coupled to and in fluid communication with thedischarge nozzle610. In the illustrated embodiment, thedischarge nozzle610 includes aplug624, which is mounted between the discharge nozzle and thebody602 and extends partially into theinternal channel604. Thetubing222 is mounted over theplug624, which includes an internal channel or bore626 and may include annular retention structures as described above. As mentioned above, those of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments different configurations may be used to connect to couple thetubing222 to thedischarge nozzle610 and/or placing thetubing222 in fluid communication with thedischarge outlet222 In modified embodiments, thedischarge nozzle610 may be formed from more or less pieces. In addition, thetubing222 may extend through thedischarge nozzle610 and form, at least partially, thedischarge outlet622.

Thevalve609 will now be described in detail. Theactuator608 positioned at least partially within anannular housing630, which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends from thebody602. Theactuator608 is coupled to astem632, which is formed from a pair spaced apart leg members633a,633bthat extend from theactuator608. A pinchingmember634 is positioned between theleg members633a,633b. As seen inFIG. 8B, the pinchingmember634 defines a slantedpinching surface635. Theleg members633a,633b, the pinchingsurface635 and a lower surface of theactuator608 define an opening637 (see FIG.8A). Adistal support639 is attached to the distal end of theleg members633a,633b. Thetubing222 prevents the actuator608 from being removed from thebody602.

With particular reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B, thebody602 forms abore649 that includes a pair ofpassages653a,653b, which form openings on opposite sides of thebore649. Thetubing222 extends through thepassages653a,653bin thebore647 and through theopening637 between theleg members633a,633band the pinchingmember634. A biasingmember642, such as a helical spring, is placed within thebore649 between thedistal stop639 and a lower surface of643 of thebore649. In this manner, the biasingmember642 biases theactuator608 in the direction of arrow A of FIG.8A. In this first position, thetubing222 is compressed between the pinchingsurface634 and thepassage653ain thesecond bore649. As such, as with the previous embodiment, thetubing222 is “pinched closed” and chemical cannot flow though thetubing222 and thevalve609. To open thespray nozzle600, the user depresses theactuator608 in the direction of arrow B ofFIG. 8A against the force of the biasingmember642. In this manner, thetubing222, which extends through thebore649 is no longer “pinched” between the pinchingsurface634 and thepassage653a. Thus, chemicals can flow through thevalve609 to thedischarge nozzle610. Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that in modified embodiments other configurations may be used for “pinching close” thetubing222 or that other types of valves can be used such as the valves disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,782, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

With reference toFIGS. 7 and 8A, thespray nozzle600 is advantageously configured such that it can be detachably coupled to thehandle190 of thepump attachment30. In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished by providing thehandle190 with anopening650, which in the illustrated embodiment is rectangular. Thespray nozzle600, in turn, includes plurality ofprojections652, which is configured so as to engage aflexible arm654 positioned in theopening650. In this manner, thespray nozzle600 can engage thehandle190 in a snap fit. In modified embodiments, thespray nozzle600 include a groove or protrusion while thehandle190 includes complementary a protrusion or groove. Those of skill in the art in light of this specification will also recognize other complementary structures which can be use for detachably coupling thespray nozzle600 to thehandle190.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of aspray nozzle700 shown without thetubing222. In this embodiment, components that are similar to the components of the previous embodiment have been given the same reference number. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is the shape of thebody702 and the position of theactuator608. Theactuator608 is positioned on the underside of thebody702. In addition, thebody702 comprises a conicalmain section704 and rectangularlower portion706, which extend beneath the conical main section. As shown inFIG. 10, the inlet opening to the internal channel is protected by aproximal portion708 of thebody702 which extend proximally from theinlet opening646.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combine with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims (46)

1. A pump attachment for a container comprising:

a body defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end;

a shaft extending through an opening in the first end of the chamber;

a piston reciprocally mounted within the chamber, the piston including an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, the piston being in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body, the piston separating the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston;

a handle coupled to the piston through the shaft;

an inlet valve at the second end of the body, the inlet valve configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber;

a biasing member between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber, and

a spray nozzle that comprises an actuator and a discharge outlet, the actuator being coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet, the spray nozzle including a tube that extends continuously from a point upstream of the spray valve to a point downstream of the spray valve, the point upstream of the spray valve being in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber and the point downstream of the spray valve being in fluid communication with the discharge outlet; wherein the piston is moveable within the chamber between an upper position and a lower position in which the lower surface of the piston is positioned at the second end of the chamber and wherein the tube extends continuously into the chamber when the piston is in the lower position.

2. The pump attachment ofclaim 1, wherein when the actuator in a first position the tubing passes through the valve substantially unobstructed and in a second position the tubing is pinched closed within the valve.

3. The pump attachment ofclaim 1, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a body that defines an internal channel having an inlet end, the spray nozzle also comprising a discharge nozzle, which defines an internal bore that forms, at least in part, the discharge outlet.

4. The pump attachment ofclaim 3, and wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel to the point downstream of the spray valve and is coupled to the discharge nozzle such that the tubing is in fluid communication with the internal bore.

5. The pump attachment ofclaim 4, wherein the tubing is coupled to the discharge nozzle by a stem that extends partially into the tubing and includes a radial flange that cooperates with the spray nozzle to prevent the tubing from being pulled out of the spray nozzle.

6. The pump attachment ofclaim 3, wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel of the spray nozzle to the chamber through a second internal channel which is formed in the handle.

7. The pump attachment ofclaim 6, wherein the tube is coupled to the piston.

8. The pump attachment ofclaim 7, wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel of the spray nozzle to the internal bore in the piston.

9. The pump attachment ofclaim 3, wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel of the spray nozzle to the bore in the piston.

10. The pump attachment ofclaim 9, wherein the tube is coupled to the piston by a plug that includes a distal end that extends into the tube and a radial flange that interacts with the lower surface of the piston to prevent the tube from being pulled out of the chamber.

11. The pump attachment ofclaim 10, wherein the plug includes a second bore which places the tubing in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber.

12. A pump attachment for a container comprising:

a body defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end;

a shaft extending through an opening in the first end of the chamber;

a piston reciprocally mounted within the chamber, the piston including an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, the piston being in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body, the piston separating the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston;

a handle coupled to the piston through the shaft;

an inlet valve at the second end of the body, the inlet valve configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber;

a biasing member between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber,

a spray nozzle that comprises a body that defines an internal channel having an inlet end, an actuator and a discharge outlet, the actuator being coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet; and

a continuous piece of tubing which has a first end, which is coupled to the piston and is in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber, and a second end, which extends into the spray nozzle through the inlet end of the internal channel; wherein the piston is moveable within the chamber between an upper position and a lower position in which the lower surface of the piston is positioned at the second end of the chamber and wherein the first end of the continuous piece of tubing extends at least partially into the chamber when the piston is in the lower position.

13. The pump attachment ofclaim 12, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a discharge nozzle, which defines an internal bore that forms, at least in part, the discharge outlet.

14. The pump attachment ofclaim 13, wherein the second end of the tubing is coupled to the discharge nozzle.

15. The pump attachment ofclaim 14, wherein the second end of the tubing is coupled to the discharge nozzle by a stem that extends partially into the tubing and includes a radial flange that cooperates with the spray nozzle to prevent the tubing from being pulled out of the spray nozzle.

16. The pump attachment ofclaim 12, wherein the tubing extends through an internal channel formed in the handle.

17. The pump attachment ofclaim 12, wherein the first end of the tubing is positioned within the internal bore in the piston.

18. The pump attachment ofclaim 17, wherein the tubing is coupled to the piston by a plug that includes a distal end that extends into the tubing and a radial flange that interacts with the lower surface of the piston to prevent the tubing from being pulled out of the chamber.

19. The pump attachment ofclaim 18, wherein the plug includes a second bore which places the tubing in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber.

20. A pump attachment for a container comprising:

a body defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end;

a piston reciprocally mounted within the chamber, the piston including an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, the piston being in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body, the piston separating the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston;

a handle coupled to the piston through a relatively rigid connective member;

a continuous piece of flexible tubing which has a first end, which is coupled to the piston such that the first end moves reciprocally with the piston and is in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber;

an inlet valve at the second end of the body, the inlet valve configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber;

a biasing member between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber, and

a spray nozzle that comprises an actuator and a discharge outlet, which is in fluid communication with a second end of the flexible tubing, the actuator being coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet; wherein the first end of the continuous piece of tubing extends into the body when the lower surface of the piston is positioned generally adjacent the second end of the chamber.

21. The pump attachment ofclaim 20, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a body that defines an internal channel having an inlet end and the flexible tubing extends to the into the internal channel through the inlet end.

22. The pump attachment ofclaim 20, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a discharge nozzle, which defines an internal bore that forms, at least in part, the discharge outlet.

23. The pump attachment ofclaim 22, wherein the second end of the flexible tubing is coupled to the discharge nozzle.

24. The pump attachment ofclaim 20, wherein the flexible tubing extends through an internal channel formed in the handle.

25. The pump attachment ofclaim 20, wherein flexible tubing extends out of the first end of the body.

26. The pump attachment ofclaim 20, wherein the flexible tubing is coupled to the piston by a plug that includes a distal end that extends into the tubing and a radial flange that interacts with the lower surface of the piston to prevent the tubing from being pulled out of the chamber.

27. A chemical sprayer system comprising:

a container that defines an cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed;

a body defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end, the first end of the body being positioned within the cavity;

a shaft extending through an opening in the first end of the chamber;

a piston reciprocally mounted within the chamber, the piston including an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, the piston being in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body, the piston separating the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston;

a handle coupled to the piston through the shaft;

an inlet valve at the second end of the body, the inlet valve configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber from the cavity and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber;

a biasing member between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber, and

a spray nozzle that comprises an actuator and a discharge outlet, the actuator being coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet, the spray nozzle including a tube that extends continuously from a point upstream of the spray valve to a point downstream of the spray valve, the point upstream of the spray valve being in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber and the point downstream of the spray valve being in fluid communication with the discharge outlet; wherein the tube is moveable with the shaft said extends continuously into the container when the piston is in a lower position in which the lower surface of the piston is positioned at the second end of the chamber.

28. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 27, wherein when the actuator in a first position the tubing passes through the valve substantially unobstructed and in a second position the tubing is pinched closed within the valve.

29. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 27, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a body that defines an internal channel having an inlet end, the spray nozzle also comprising a discharge nozzle, which defines an internal bore that forms, at least in part, the discharge outlet.

30. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 29, and wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel to the point downstream of the spray valve and is coupled to the discharge nozzle such that the tubing is in fluid communication with the internal bore.

31. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 30, wherein the tubing is coupled to the discharge nozzle by a stem that extends partially into the tubing and includes a radial flange that cooperates with the spray nozzle to prevent the tubing from being pulled out of the spray nozzle.

32. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 30, wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel of the spray nozzle to the chamber through a second internal channel which is formed in the handle.

33. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 32, wherein the tube is coupled to the piston.

34. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 33, wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel of the spray nozzle to the internal bore in the piston.

35. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 30, wherein the tube extends continuously from the inlet end of the internal channel of the spray nozzle to the bore in the piston.

36. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 35, wherein the tube is coupled to the piston by a plug that includes a distal end that extends into the tube and a radial flange that interacts with the lower surface of the piston to prevent the tube from being pulled out-of the chamber.

37. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 36, wherein the plug includes a second bore which places the tubing in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber.

38. A chemical sprayer system comprising:

a container that defines an cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed;

a body defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and a wall extending between the first end and the second end, the first end being positioned within the cavity;

a shaft extending through an opening in the first end of the chamber;

a piston reciprocally mounted within the chamber, the piston including an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, the piston being in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body, the piston separating the chamber into an upper portion above the upper surface of the piston and a lower portion below the lower surface of the piston;

a handle coupled to the piston through the shaft;

an inlet valve at the second end of the body, the inlet valve configured to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber from the cavity and restrict the flow of fluid out of the chamber;

a biasing member between the piston and the first end of the elongate chamber,

a spray nozzle that comprises a body that defines an internal channel having an inlet end, an actuator and a discharge outlet, the actuator being coupled to a spray valve for controlling the flow of chemical from the lower portion of the chamber through the spray nozzle to the discharge outlet; and

a continuous piece of tubing which has a first end, which is coupled to the piston and is in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber, and a second end, which extends into the internal channel of the spray nozzle; wherein the piston is moveable within the chamber between an upper position and a lower position in which the lower surface of the piston is positioned at the second end of the chamber and wherein the first end of the continuous piece of tubing extends through the shaft and at least partially into the container when the piston is in the lower position.

39. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 38, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a discharge nozzle, which defines an internal bore that forms, at least in part, the discharge outlet.

40. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 39, wherein the second end of the flexible tubing is coupled to the discharge nozzle.

41. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 40, wherein the second end of the flexible tubing is coupled to the discharge nozzle by a stem that extends partially into the flexible tubing and includes a radial flange that cooperates with the spray nozzle to prevent the flexible tubing from being pulled out of the spray nozzle.

42. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 38, wherein the flexible tube extends through an internal channel formed in the handle.

43. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 38, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a body that defines an internal channel having an inlet end for receiving the flexible tubing and wherein the flexible tubing extends into the internal channel.

44. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 38, wherein the first end of the flexible tubing is positioned within the internal bore in the piston.

45. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 44, wherein the flexible tubing is coupled to the piston by a plug that includes a distal end that extends into the tube and a radial flange that interacts with the lower surface of the piston to prevent the tube from being pulled out of the chamber.

46. The chemical sprayer system ofclaim 45, wherein the plug includes a second bore which places the tubing in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber.

Images